Preparedness Profile: Will Carrier

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It is always a good time to practice preparedness by taking precautionary measures to plan for possible emergencies. September is National Preparedness Month, a time for us all to rededicate ourselves to this important principle. It is also an opportunity to highlight a few of the many dedicated, highly-trained members of the Department of Energy (DOE) and NNSA who make their living expecting the unexpected.

Meet William Bruce Carrier III, Headquarters Protective Force.

What do your day-to-day duties entail?

I am responsible for enforcing DOE orders, as well as policies and procedures set forth by leadership and the Protective Force. My primary responsibilities are supervising, training, directing, and evaluating security police officers, security officers, receptionists and central alarm station operators/monitors to ensure the protection of classified matter and government property.

How do you support DOE/NNSA emergency operations?

I have been a member of the Headquarters Protective Force since March 2002. I obtained the rank of Lieutenant in December 2008 and have been assigned to the Germantown A shift for nearly 10 years.

As a Shift Supervisor, I am the lead command-and-control element in an emergency. I am responsible for communicating with and directing the Protective Force officers who will be the initial resources used. I have to know all Emergency Standard Operating Procedures and Security Incident Response Plans and be prepared to implement them. Additionally, through training, I ensure that all security police officers, security officers, and central alarm system operators are knowledgeable of the procedures and actions they will be required to take.

What is a common mistake or misperception people have about emergency preparedness?

People believe “disasters always happen to other people.” This is a syndrome of personal invulnerability which misleads people to believe they are immune to dangerous circumstances.

What is one key item would you advise the public to keep in mind when it comes to emergency preparedness?

Have a plan for emergencies and discuss/train your employees/family members regularly. To know is to be prepared and this will help ensure your safety and that of everyone around you.